Amp Power Cable Terminal Crimping Tips
Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=67903
Printed Date: May 15, 2024 at 8:57 AM
Topic: Amp Power Cable Terminal Crimping Tips
Posted By: aliascentral
Subject: Amp Power Cable Terminal Crimping Tips
Date Posted: December 07, 2005 at 4:00 PM
Hi, I was in the process of fitting an amp to my system and found that it is extremely difficult to 'squash' the spade terminals to the ground and battery cable. The terminals that came with my wiring kit seem to be made with the most ridiculously strong metal. Being a novice, I don't have access to specialist tools, I tried to fit them using standard terminal crimps but the crimps bent. The only thing I could think to do is whack it with a hammer! Any tips for a newbie? Thanks JayEm ------------- JayEm
AliasCentral.com
Replies:
Posted By: EM12986
Date Posted: December 07, 2005 at 4:03 PM
If you have a vise you could use it. Thats what i use.
Posted By: menace2sobriety
Date Posted: December 07, 2005 at 4:29 PM
insted of crimping why not solder the wire in the spade terminals.
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Posted By: geepherder
Date Posted: December 07, 2005 at 7:52 PM
No, solder is a poor conductor. You need to crimp power and ground wires, then solder afterwards if you like. Yes, you can use a hammer or a vise.
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My ex once told me I have a perfect face for radio.
Posted By: stevdart
Date Posted: December 07, 2005 at 9:26 PM
Crimping is the force applied by leverage. Look in your toolshed...or your neighbor's or Dad's.... What device can you find that has long handles that will apply an extreme force when you pull them together? A: A bolt cutter. Preferably an old, worn out bolt cutter (because the jaws are pitted and gnarled). Most bolt cutters have adjustable jaws, just in case all you can find are new ones. I have one from 1898 that probably couldn't cut through a lock anymore but makes a great 1/0 gauge crimping tool. (I was just a wee lad in 1898, just in case you're wondering...) ------------- Build the box so that it performs well in the worst case scenario and, in return, it will reward you at all times.
Posted By: dwarren
Date Posted: December 07, 2005 at 9:34 PM
stevdart wrote:
(I was just a wee lad in 1898, just in case you're wondering...)
Vey curious indeed. Unfortuantely not every body was around to get bolt cutters back then I am a fan of the old vise, except they always look funny, sort of flat looking, like a car ran them over. -------------
Posted By: stevdart
Date Posted: December 07, 2005 at 9:40 PM
...............grumbles........"Young whippersnappers!"
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Build the box so that it performs well in the worst case scenario and, in return, it will reward you at all times.
Posted By: dwarren
Date Posted: December 07, 2005 at 9:42 PM
Damn right, old geezer!  -------------
Posted By: aliascentral
Date Posted: December 08, 2005 at 10:17 AM
Thanks for the tips! Looks like I have to get my self a vice.
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JayEm
AliasCentral.com
Posted By: coppellstereo
Date Posted: December 10, 2005 at 12:15 AM
I use a vice, but I do it a bit differently. under some circumstances If the crimp terminal wraps around and isnt fused together then i like to do it this way: crimp one side of the terminal down, just enough to where it is lower than the other side. Then crimp the sides together. then crimp from the top down like a sandwich. This way the crimp isnt as flat and goofy lookin, and you get better contact too! -------------
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